A lot of people ask me this many times on the blog to suggest the best time to travel to Leh Ladakh, and I thought it is better to pen it down in an article so that it helps others too and does not repeat on the blog all over again and again.
Well, there are two roads that lead you to Leh Ladakh popular by the names of Srinagar Leh Highway and Manali Leh Highway. Both of them generally remain closed for more than six months from November to April or Mid-May every year because of heavy snowfall on various mountain passes that comes on these adventurous roads.
So, the only time to travel by road to Leh Ladakh is from Mid-May to Mid – October. And the second half of October is a risky affair to travel and May is the only likely option for Srinagar – Leh Highway as Manali – Leh Highway generally opens by June first week or late May.
But, still, the question is :
Let's quickly dive into the details:
“What is the best time to travel Leh Ladakh in these 5-6 months?”
Leh Ladakh in April to Mid-May
April is the month when tourists or travelers from all parts of the world start to come to Ladakh. Restaurants start to either open or set up for the coming season. Similarly, the guest houses, camps at Pangong Tso, and Tso Moriri lakes also start to be set up.
By the second week of May, generally, the Srinagar Leh Highway opens, and the influx of tourists starts to get into Ladakh. Supplies flow in along with fresh vegetables and fruits. Hence life comes to normalcy in Ladakh.
In late April, all lakes including Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri start to melt, and by mid-May, they completely melt and start radiating the ever-beautiful blue hues under sunlight. Tourists / Travellers visiting these places get good discounts as it is the onset of the season and with fewer tourists around, it is indeed a better place to be.
The high mountain passes in Ladakh including both Khardung La and Chang La, are under heaps of snow, and passing through them is quite an experience in itself. Carrying shades/glares/goggles are highly recommended at this time of the year.
Leh Ladakh in May – June – July
As I said, in May, most likely, you will only find Srinagar – Leh to be open, so if you are interested in the complete circuit, then it is not the right time. In June beginning or May end, Manali road opens with the opening of Rohtang Pass.
In the initial 7-10 days, the roads are pretty much unstable with common snow slides, and intermittent blockages also happen, but gradually it settles down. And from Mid of June to July just before the onset of monsoon season, it is a very nice time to travel, and indeed a lot of people undertake the road journey to Ladakh at this specific window only.
It is the perfect time for those who want to enjoy snow around the road and drive through the snow walls of Rohtang Pass / Rani Nalla and Baralacha La too. However, keep in mind that snow starts to melt which means, ferocious water crossings and rivers are pretty common in this period.
Later you will reach a water crossing in the day, slim are the chances to cross it. So, plan to leave early in the day and reach the early in the day on the destination to have buffer time as well.
from Mid of June to July just before the onset of monsoon season, it is a very nice time to travel and indeed a lot of people undertake the road journey to Ladakh at this specific window only.
Best time to travel for seeing snow in Ladakh
Leh Ladakh in August
In August, monsoons are in a full flurry, and rivers and water crossings go ferocious at times when rain is pouring down. Landslides are common too in this period. However, there is a catch, the region beyond Zozi La Pass towards Leh from the Srinagar side and beyond Baralacha La pass towards Leh from the Manali side, being a rain shadow region does not get much affected by rains.
But, surely you will be facing the monsoon hassles up to Baralacha La pass from Manali side and Zozila Pass from Srinagar side. Of course, as happening for the last few years Rohtang Pass & Zojila are most likely to be a nightmare in this period.
Even the definition of Ladakh being the rain shadow region is changing now. We have started getting rain in Ladakh too or at least overcast conditions with light rains now and then. Few cloudbursts and flash floods also have occurred in a couple of years, including 2018. So, be ready for surprises even in the rain shadow region of Ladakh too in the coming years.
Leh Ladakh in September – October
Personally, this is my favorite season to travel to Ladakh with vibrant & burning colors all over in full glory. Post-monsoon, the region becomes devoid of rains and the chill starts to set in with some intermittent light snowfall.
However, the colors of fall/autumn are almost burning with beauty all over the Srinagar Leh Road, Manali Leh Road, and, of course, the entire Ladakh, including Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri & Nubra Valley. The road conditions also improve a lot in comparison to the rest of the season. You will witness the best roads of the season since the maintenance works also settle by that time. It is the best time to self-drive to Ladakh if you are taking a small car like a hatchback or sedan to Ladakh.
Even the water crossings are timid in flow with less water in them and are easy to pass by. The rivers turn into aqua blue color again, giving an entirely different aura to the region. Your body is at the maximum exposure to UV rays, and due to lack of moisture, it becomes a bit difficult to acclimatize as well. But, the beauty on offer is worth anything in the world 😀
Also, it is time when some camps have closed and packed up, and some still run. There is occasional snowfall as well, which might close the road for a day or two temporarily. The Raid-De-Himalayas rally also happens in this window which also disturbs you as a traveler to some extent.
Personally, this is my favorite season to travel to Ladakh with vibrant & burning colors all over in full glory.
for those who love vibrant fall colors
Leh Ladakh in November
The period of late October and November is when the cold settles into Trans Himalayas completely with sub-zero temperatures at almost all places above 14000 feet especially over the Manali Leh highway and the high-altitude lakes. The colors though are still beautiful in the region, tourists have almost gone away and only a few brave ones remain 🙂 :).
Most of the guest houses, hotels, and restaurants are closed by this time along with camps at Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri lakes, which are packed up by the last week of September. Dhabhas and camps on Manali Leh Highway are also deserted, and locals go away to their homes to get ready for hibernation in cold winters.
Though both Manali Leh Road and Srinagar Leh Road remain open unofficially, it is highly not recommended to travel over them, especially the Manali Leh Highway with such cold conditions. There will not be many shelters available and black ice on roads that make driving a dangerous affair. Black ice is quite common in this period it starts to appear in October starting as well at some places though it does not last long in the early stages or the winter season.
Interesting Read: 5 Reasons to Avoid Manali – Leh Highway in October – November
Leh Ladakh in December – January – February – March
This period is the coldest in Ladakh where January is the coldest month of all seasons, and Ladakh is cut off from the rest of the world by road. Only a few brave and bold tourists are around even though the roads to Nubra Valley and Pangong Tso Lake over Khardung La Pass, and Chang La Pass respectively are kept open all around the year barring a few days of heavy snowfall.
Late January to February is also the time when many adventure tourists come to Leh Ladakh to walk over the frozen Zanskar River from Padum in Zanskar Valley to Leh, popularly known as Chadar Trek.
In this period, you are at the mercy of extreme cold. Snowfall as well is pretty common and mingled with high-altitude terrain; it makes life difficult to survive and acclimatize as well. The key is to take rest, ample rest in the initial days. Then, gradually start overreaching other high-altitude places. The food options are minimal, and most of the restaurant lives are deserted as their cook is out at their homes.
From November to December / Mid-January types, if the sun is shining the colors in the Lakes such as Pangong Tso or Tso Moriri is breathtaking but the options to stay near them are none or limited. Just some Home Stays in nearing villages where basic facilities will be available to brave the extreme cold.
After Mid-January, both Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri along with other high-altitude lakes start to freeze and become solid as earth as you can drive your car over it, leave alone walk over it. Be responsible and don’t do that of course 😉
These lakes remain frozen almost up to April. So, those looking forward to seeing the magical changing colors of these lakes with sunlight in the day shall refrain from making a trip to Ladakh from January to late April, which is almost for four months.
Still confused??
Well, the best time to visit Leh Ladakh is, September to mid-October, if you love the vivid colors of nature or you are a photographer looking for natural colors, or someone who loves to have fewer tourists around you. However, you will not find any snow around you. Otherwise, if you are one of those who loves to see snow up there in Ladakh road trip then make the journey to Leh Ladakh in June when both Manali Leh Highway and Srinagar Leh Highway are open.
Conclusion
Are you still confused?? Don’t worry. I will suggest if you want to see heaps of snow and have a good adventure, then you must plan your road trip to Ladakh starting June first/ the second week up to mid of July types.
However, if you are more interested in nature’s lovely colors pallet and maybe you are very much into photography, then the late season is the time. You do not want to miss out on, i.e., late September up to the second week of October when colors are oozing out vividly all over Ladakh!!
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Do you have any questions or suggestions or need any help in planning your trip to Leh Ladakh? If yes, please feel free to post them either in the comments section of this article below. You can also take guidance from many travel experts in our DwD Community Forums and discuss your upcoming travel plans for Ladakh.
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722 Comments
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Hi Dheeraj,
We are plannig to visti ladakh in last week of september 2015. whether its possible to cover the entire ladakh in one week or we need to catch up some more days for that. please guide me the best routes from shimla to ladakh. we are planning to hire a bike and go from shimla. Also please give us the list of sight seeing places .
Aslam, It will take 3 days if you go from Manali side and if you go from Spiti side it will take 4 days will take. Same number of days to return and hence, 7 days will not be enough for LAdakh trip.
Hi Dhreej,
Great Job done so far, Hats off Brother. Can you please advice me what things we need to carry while Leh- Ladakh trip during June to Sept 15, if stuck due to abnormal weather conditions and what would be the approx cost of the road trip using public or private transport. Would be appreciated to your reply soon..:-)
Best regards,
Ashish
Thank you Ashish. You can refer the articles: Tips for Carrying Clothes for Ladakh Trip AND List of things to carry when you go on trip
Dear Dheeraj,
I am visiting Leh on 24th March 2015. I wanted to know about how about the climate & site seeing details. Please let me know whether accomodation n food is a problem in this period of the year at leh ?.
Thanks in Advance !!\
Hello Somnath,
A happy new year to you and your family !!
Climate will be cold up there. Many hotels and food options will be closed during that time. there will be very handful of tourists but places of sightseeing in Ladakh will have roads open unless it snows on those days only when you plan to travel.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
PS: Sorry for the late reply, I was on a trip to Kumaon, Uttarakhand for the last 8-9 days.
Hey Dheeraj,
Very good website . Very good work.
I am planning a trip to Ladakh this year 26 July 2015 to 8 August 2015.
I plan to do a full circuit.
Start from Chandigarh – Manali – Rohtang pass – Leh Ladakh – Kargil – Srinagar.
I plan to rent a buke in Delhi.
When Do you suggest it is the best time to travel?
Thanks
Srdjan
Srdjan, thank you 🙂 …
Firstly, I will suggest you that please plan it in other direction as going via Srinagar – Leh Highway will be much much easier on your body and help you acclimatize to the high altitude of Manali – Leh Highway. Also, it allows you to enjoy the beauty of Manali – Leh by splitting the journey almost evenly in two days which is very difficult in the other direction. Thirdly, it will allow you to fit Tso Moriri lake into the itinerary in better way. You can read more reasons on the link here
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
It is monsoon time in general up there in North and at some parts of Manali – Leh Highway (like before Baralacha La) and Srinagar – Leh Highway (like before Kargil) you might need to face monsoon hassles but once you get closer to Ladakh, then Ladakh being rain shadow region is least affected by monsoon rains, though rains does reach Ladakh now but to minimum and mostly it might remains overcast conditions with light drizzle if at all. There is no thumb rule of certainty about weather conditions but above is generally common pictures seen over last few years except ugly 2010 …
Regards
Dheeraj
Hey Dheeraj,
Very good website bro. Keep up the good work.
We are planning a trip to Ladakh from 26 July 2015 to 8 August 2015.
We plan to do a full circuit.
Start from Chandigarh – Manali – Rohtang pass – Leh Ladakh – Kargil – Srinagar.
We plan to hire a private taxi.
Do you suggest if this is a good time to travel?
Thanks
Thank you Atul. That sounds good and you have enough days too in order to complete the circuit. Firstly, I will suggest you that please plan it in other direction as going via Srinagar – Leh Highway will be much much easier on your body and help you acclimatize to the high altitude of Manali – Leh Highway. Also, it allows you to enjoy the beauty of Manali – Leh by splitting the journey almost evenly in two days which is very difficult in the other direction. Thirdly, it will allow you to fit Tso Moriri lake into the itinerary in better way. You can read more reasons on the link here
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
Hi Dheeraj,
This information is really useful. Thanks a lot.
I have been trying to open link
https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/most-common-itinerary-for-leh-ladakh/
but it seems it is not working
Regards
Atul, really sorry for it. Some technical glitch is jealous of most popular pages on the website and breaks them everynow and then. As of now, it is fixed. Please check and let me know 🙂
Yes. Its working now. Thanks a lot bro 🙂
Great, thanks for letting me know.
Hi Dheeraj,
Yes. It is working now. Thanks a lot.
I read through the article and found it very informative.
I understand that the best time for Ladakh is July to August.
However, I understand that monsoon plays spoilsport when traveling from Srinagar to Leh and from Leh to Manali via Rohtang Pass during July August.
So can you please suggest which is a better option for full circuit by road – Srinagar – Leh – Manali
1. Last two weeks of June
2. Last two weeks of July
Thanks
Hi Atul,
A happy new year to you and your family !!
Well, you will not go wrong with any of the two options above. For snow enjoyment go with last two weeks of June else go with last two weeks of July.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
PS: Sorry for the late reply, I was on a trip to Kumaon, Uttarakhand for the last 8-9 days.
hi was interested to travel to leh in the month of april prob.1st week or 2nd week 2015.what can we expect to see and what could we miss?
Shwetha, Well, you can check my complete Travel Tale of Ladakh from April linked in the last link of the story: A Snow Whiteout in Leh – Trapped Again | Ladakh – 2012
You will be able to see how beautiful it is in April and yet also be able to see that everything in Ladakh when I visited was open as far as sightseeing and exploring is concerned. However, you need to bear in mind the cold conditions up there at that time of the year and lack of variety of food + accommodation options. As it is off season, so things are pretty much closed at most place with respect to food options and stay options. But, you will be able to find basic stays and basic food. Also, Lakes will be partially frozen and you will need to have some buffer days too at that time of the year.
Also, you can read some nice tips by one of the reader who visited Ladakh last year in April and shared his feedback at the link: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/leh-ladakh-most-common-itinerary-by-air/comment-page-2/#comment-57993
Going through the Travel Tale and tips above will help you decide to GO or NOT GO 🙂 🙂 … Like you can read in my travel tale, I saw almost entire Ladakh in April so that is not a concern.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj, First of all, I would want to congratulate you on this great work…Hats off !
I would like to travel with friend to Leh – Ladakh during last two weeks of march (25)
which way to reach better
Marzooq, you can only fly in to Leh during that time of the year as both Manali – Leh Highway and Srinagar – Leh Highway will be closed.
hey dheeraj,
we are planning to visit l laddakh in mid feb for honeymoon …will it be okay to go in mid feb…
Nisha, firstly Ladakh is not a honeymoon destination unless you both are some real adventure freaks and FEB is harsh, very harsh and becomes more of a question of survival only.
Hai im visit jan nxt year manali i hv plan my car dizer its can possible kindly our help i need
Yes, you can visit Manali in dZire roads are mostly fine all the way up to Manali. Just drive carefully in mad truck traffic from Kiratpur to Bilaspur.
Hi. Im planning an outing for 2-3 days with my wife on 18th Nov early morning by car. Iv been to mussorie, nainital, manali. Was thinking of going to Shimla this time but some people say that unlike old times its too over crowded now and theres so much of pollution as well there. All one can see there are just hotels and guest houses everywhere. I love going to heights. Can someone please suggest us a hill station where we can actually have a good time. Place which is beautiful, peacefull and enjoyable. plzzzzz help..
Sunny, if it is just two days then I will suggest to go to Kanatal – Chamba OR Chakrata to spend some good time. Lansdowne is another option.
Hi Dheeraj,
can you suggest good place to go on Honeymoon in mid Feb
Nisha, what exactly are you looking at? Hills? If yes, check: Soulitude in the Himalayas-Ramgarh (Mukteshwar), Uttarakhand
Hi Dheeraj, I am thinking to challenge myself for Chadar Trek. Pretty excited to see how I react to extremes. I have never experienced snow fall in practical terms, so a little skeptical. Need your suggestions 🙂
Sapna, Chadar trek is all about stamina of walking and surviving the cold conditions if anything else. If you have proper gear with you that can help you not skid and protect you from the temperatures of well below zero degrees and you can walk, I think it should be OK to try it out. May be you can do half chadar trek as many people do that too.
Hi,
Is December a good time to visit Leh and Ladakh? If not, why?
Shreyans, please read the section “Mid-November to March” in the article and you will get the basic understanding. If you are OK with bone chilling dry cold offering some tough conditions to survival and with basic set of facilities available for you, then of course you can visit else better to enjoy and relax in season time in summers in Ladakh.
Hi Dheeraj,
I am reaching Leh 1st October morning by air instead of availing Srinagar Leh highway considering the present situation and leaving Leh by 9th October morning by air. Please provide me a convenient tour programme. My family consists of 6 members including two girls aged 13 & 16. Hope, your valuable advices would be very very helpful to me. Incidetaly all of we are Kolkata people.
With cordial thanks.
Suvash
Suvash, You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh by Air followed by many travelers including me at the link here for 9 days: Leh – Ladakh | Most Common Itinerary by Air.
Dear Dheeraj,
I was little anxious not finding you on the page for couple of days. I think most of the readers were also awaiting eagerly for your valuable counsels. Hope, you are keeping well. Allmighty may bless you for your tireless nobel jobs.
All the best wishes from my heart.
Suvash
Thanks a lot Suvash, actually I was on DoW Mega Meet 2014 for last 10 days in Spiti Valley, hence, was cutoff from the connectivity 🙂
OK…..dhirajji thanks to adviced me….BT…ma next option may first week ….that time I can coming there?? ma package plan leh with himachal…..n….starting from Delhi by air to direct ladakh…..n…..coming from leh I can use leh manali high way?? that time open that route?? I have enjoy snow and d most high test highway leh manali……so please advise me……n suggest packages from Delhi …..leh with himachal
Kailash, Manali – Leh Highway does not open in May. Try to plan your Ladakh journey in June, late part.
Hi Dheeraj,
You are doing a great job. Really appreciated..
Well I too needed your advice- as would it be good to plan a honeymoon for leh-ladakh from 8th oct to 15th oct..
What would you suggest.?
Leh – Ladakh is not an ideal place for Honeymoon rather it is an adventure destination. It will be cold up there during that time with most hotels and restaurants closed. Better plan honeymoon somewhere else brother 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
Earlier I have received lot of information from you and I am grateful for those. I have prepared to visit Ladakh along with my family members (6 heads) and I have planned to reach Srinagar on 1st October by air and reaching Leh on 3rd October via Srinagar Leh highway . Now I am seeking your information regarding the road condition at that period considering the latest worst flood in J&K. I will stay in Ladakh up to 9 th October and leaving by air. Please advise whether I should stick to my programme or not considering the present situation.
With regards,
Suvash
Suvash, though it is quite a time left for your trip and Srinagar – Leh Highway is open now but things need time to get settled in Srinagar. I will suggest to stay tuned to our Community Thread: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/india/road-status-conditions-f32/srinagar-leh-highway-status-2014-t805-140.html
Hi Dheeraj,
No praise is sufficient for you. Every one will go with me that Dheeraj Sharma is the best friend to the travellers who always stand by the travellers in their all sorts of need. Hats off to you.
Regards,
Suvash
Thank you Suvash 🙂
Hello,
Firstly can I just say that your website is fantastic, an unbelievable detailed source of information for motorcycle trips in the region. I really admire you commitment to replying to every comment so quickly. Really great!
Can go please give me some advice on areas/routes I should consider during my time period. I will be travelling from 1st May-mid June by motorbike. I want to get into the ‘wild’ places, I want mountain passes, big valleys, gravel roads, big panoramic views, snow lines switchbacks etc just a big adventure on the bike! You know…
What would be the best areas to travel during this time period? Can you suggest any routes? I want to cover loads of km’s!
Spiti valley, lahal, kinnaur, Ladakh, zanskar etc. what areas/routes are accessible/do you recommend during this time of year?
Thanks in advance!
Shane
Hello Shane,
Thank you so much, glad you loved DoW and found the info. present on it, so helpful.
You have quite an amount of time with you and all the places that you have mentioned can be covered with some back tracking here and there as all the passes will not open. So circuit will not be feasible during that time period. Had it been a month later circuit would have also been possibility.
You can start from Shimla side and pass through Kinnaur Valley and then reach Spiti Valley till Kunzum Pass which will be closed, then back track to Rampur and head towards Jalori Pass which will exit you to Manali. If Manali – Leh Highway gets open, fine, continue to Leh – Ladakh and come back from Srinagar side else from Manali side move to Dharamshala, then to Srinagar and reach Ladakh and return from Manali side if the highway opens.
Since, it is a long long trip, we can fine tune and better plan it using the DwD Community thread to keep your queries more organized and better tracking. You should start a topic under the forum: https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/india/plan-ladakh-zanskar-trip/
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thanks so much for the helpful information Dheeraj and the speedy reply! It’s great to pick the brain of somebody that knows the region so well. I will definitely follow your advice and ride those routes.
Keep up the great work. Hopefully catch up with DOW at some point in the future!
Happy trails
For sure Shane, have a great trip 🙂
Hi Dheeraj
We intend to travel to Leh via srinagar from the 9th to the 19th october. Is it a good time and do you think we can travel on our own ofcourse by renting taxis and not depend on a travel agent?
Maneesh, most of the hotels will be closed and restaurant will be closed in Ladakh. Camps at the lakes will not be available at Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri. Few hotels will be running in Nubra Valley as well as Leh. Winter would be settled in Ladakh by mid of October. Hence, if you are OK with such constraints you can make a trip else plan in next season.
Hi dheeraj,
I am planning to go on a leh-ladakh bike trip from 27th sept 2014 to 11th Oct 2014. This is the first long route bike trip for me ever. I was planning on the chandigarh/delhi-manali-leh circuit. Can you please advice me whether this is good route option at this time of the year, or suggest me a good Itinerary for the trip. Also will be really grateful if you can let me know of the things I need to take care of while on the trip.
Thanks in advance.
Regards,
Debajyoti
Debajyoti, I will first like you to go through the article: 5 Reasons to Avoid Manali – Leh Highway in October
Once you understand the risks of traveling over Manali – Leh Highway during October, we can discuss further. I do not in general advice anyone to ride beyond September over Manali – Leh highway.
Thank you so much Dheeraj for the quick response and the great advice.I think I will plan for it next year after mid June.Should be appropriate for the journey then.
Yes, that should be good time to visit Ladakh.
namaste dhirajji, me ladakh ka plan banana chahta hu…27oct. se 4nov. tk……bcoz of diwali holiday…..agar me package company ke thru jau to muze koi problem to nhi aaegi…… I know tb waha snow fall hota he…any hotels n restros are closed…. BT….snow fall enjoy Karen hi muze special Jana he….so please give me ur advice…..n….suggest best package company
Kailash ji, Novemeber late October sahi time nahin hai Ladakh jaane ka. Main aapko ye suggest karunga aap kabhi baad mein jaao. Thandd bhaut zada hogi and mostly hotel closed honge. Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri par stay facility nahin hogi. Agar aapko thandd se aur basic stay se pareshani nahin hai to aap chale jaao but package se mat jana. Also, snowfall zaruri nahin hai abhi milega, kismat hui tabhi. Usually, January mein hota hai snowfall abhi dry thandd hoti hai jo aur mushkil hoti hai.
hi.
Dheeraj
i am planning for a bike trip to Ladakh via manali and manali to jammu in 08.10.2014 to 15.10.2014.. will you please tell me in details about the status of the road and other accomodation,,
Dipanjan, I do not suggest you to travel over Manali – Leh Highway in second week of October and also now, Srinagar to Jammu Highway is not in pleasant state to travel though roads will be restored by then but still…
Hello Dhiraj,
Basically I have problem with cold.i hate cold weather and I will be travellng on motorcycle to leh. Please suggest time when weather will be best. Pravin.
Pravin, if you hate cold, then only July – August are the preferred months for you and in August you need to suffer from rains hassles and landslides in lower hills.
Hi,
I am planning a small trip to Ladakh with my Wife. She want to see snowfall. When should i plan my vacation.
Piyush, snowfall can be seen in Kashmir and Himachal and Uttarakhand too. Also it is not the right time to see snowfall unless your lucky day, plan a trip to Himachal or Kashmir in winters around new year and you shall see at least the snow around you and if lucky snowfall as well 🙂
Am planning for a bike trip to Ladakh via manali in September or October..canI be able to see snow capped mountains and touch snow during my journey…pls let me know..my most important reason for this trip is to see and fell the snow…(not snowfall)..roadside snow is ok for me:)
Prithvi, during that time very little snow will be there unless it snows that time only.
Hi deeraj,
I am from kerala and me and ma frnd planning to ride from kochi-leh nxt year,so as first we jst need to know,whether old ci engined bullet will be able to go throuhh this tough terains??or we should buy a new one??our current bullet is well maintained..adn wot about traveling in start of june from kochi???
Louis, I am not a bike expert and it will be much helpful if you can post them in DwD Community the other bikers on the forum should be to suggest you in right direction.
okay…thnx deeraj
Hello Dheeraj,
Am impressed reading your blog – am planning to ride from bangalore to ladakh on Sept last week am riding solo can you please help me in understanding if this is the right time to ride ? any suggestion or advise.
Bharath, September last week is when cold sets into Trans Himalayas and some parts starts receiving snow too. Hence, plan couple of days buffer for sure in between and be prepared for the ride in very cold to cold conditions. You can read: Tips for a cold weather Motorcycle Ride in Himalayas
Hi,Deeraj,
I plan to visit leh ladhak on first week of october by flight, please suggest how many days we plan, what is the temprerature normally for this time, please tell us other places also,is 5days 4 night sufficent. thanks
5 days is too less a time to make a Ladakh trip. You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh by Air followed by many travelers including me at the link here for 9 days: Leh – Ladakh | Most Common Itinerary by Air. You can remove the Tso Moriri part and make a day trip to Pangong tso as most of the accommodations will be closed at both Pangong Tso and Tso Moriri.
Hi Deeraj,
Need your help to plan Leh trip. I have flight on 22nd Sep from delhi. I can spend at max 6-7 nights. Going with 3yrs kid + wife. Pls suggest. Thanks!
Hi Rajeev,
You can follow the below itinerary:
Day 1 | Delhi – Leh (By Flight)
— Checkin at Hotel. Many hotels provide free pick and drop from Airport. Ask while you book them.
— Take ample of rest as well as water or anything that keep your body hydrated enough. DO NOT OVER HYDRATE. Take ORS Soluted water or ORS – L tetra packs from home.
— Do not over exert your body at any cost. Avoid too much up-down on stairs or avoid it in entirety, if possible.
— After 5-6 Hrs of rest you can visit Leh Palace, Local Leh market, Shankar Gompa .
— If you feel exerted go back to Hotel, have dinner at Hotel and take rest. Avoid any exertion. Else continue and,
— Follow the sunset by stroll at Changspa road and have a nice dinner on varied cuisines offered in-around Changspa road.
— Go back to hotel for overnight stay at Leh.
Day 2 | Leh Local Sightseeing + Acclimatization
— Hire a taxi from Leh taxi stand or Hotel whichever suits you.
— Bargain hard with taxi driver. Book that single taxi for entire trip after explaining the complete plan.
— Take his inputs if you feel reasonable and if required modify the plan accordingly but should suits you best.
— Ask him to be with you guys starting first day itself, if required and charged reasonable else do it at your own.
— Again DO NOT over exert and take little steps and slow walks only.
— If feeling OK then do Local sightseeing. To know the about the places to visit check the link: Travel Guide for Local Sightseeing of Leh Town in Ladakh
— Do not use stairs at any of these places just to see them as it will exert your body much more.
— Overnight at Leh
Day 3 | Leh – Khardung La – Diskit – Hunder
— Head for Nubra Valley and stay overnight at Hunder / Diskit
— On the way enjoy a cup of soup at Highest Motorable Pass (as claimed) Khardung La
— Diskit has monasteries with tallest lord Buddha statue and Hunder has sand dunes and bacterian camel safari
Day 4 | Hunder / Diskit – Sumur – Panamik – Sumur – Khardung La – Leh
— Sumur has a famous monastery to check out and Panamik has hot water springs
— Overnight at Leh
Day 5 | Leh – Hemis Monastery – Pangong Tso Lake
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on the go towards Pangong Tso
— Overnight at Pangong Tso (Spangmik or Lukung)
Day 6 | Pangong Tso Lake – Thicksey Monastery – Shey Palace – Leh
— Cover either of Hemis, Thicksey and Shey on return to Leh
— Overnight at Leh
I haven’t seen a guy like you this actively responding to questions. Thank you. What is the extreme activity to do in Ladakh?
Not sure what you mean by extreme, but Trekking is the one I feel that demands alot of effort on High Altitude terrain.
Hi,
We are group of 8-10 people.
I just wanna know that 1st week of oct is fine to go leh.
I will reach Leg airport on 28th sept, for return we are planing to go mainly to rohtang pass, manali. Please suggest other places. Also please tell us the weather conditions of Leh during 28th sept to 4th Oct. On 5th oct we have return train. Suggest other a trip plan.
Thank you in advance.
Manmeet, first please read: 5 Reasons to Avoid Manali – Leh Highway in October and then decide to travel over Manali – Leh Highway during that time of the year.
Hi Dheeraj,
My husband and I are planning a road trip to Ladakh in a Swift diesel and needed your advice. Our itinerary is as follows:
13th Sep – Amritsar to Srinagar
14th Sep – Srinagar to Kargil
15th Sep – Kargil to Leh
16th Sep – Leh Local sightseeing
17th Sep – Leh to Nubra
18th Sep – Nubra to Pangong
19th Sep – Pangong to Leh
20th Sep – Leh to Tso Moriri
21st Sep – Tso Moriri to Jispa
22nd Sep – Jispa to Sach pass
23rd Sep – Sach Pass to Dalhousie
24th Sep – Dalhousie to Amritsar
Q1 – Are these road doable in a Swift? (we do have a little offroading experience)
Q2 – Where can we stay near Sach pass (if thats doable)?
Q3 – What will the weather be like & also the accomodation options around these dates in Leh and around?
Any other suggestions and advice..!!! Looking forward to your reply.
Sach Pass will be very very difficult on swift, so be very sure before taking it on that route. Not recommended. For hatchback/sedan taking on Manali – Leh Highway Or Spiti Valley via Manali Or Ladakh, please refer the link: FAQ | Can I do Leh – Ladakh / Spiti / Manali – Leh trip in Hatchback or Sedan? for more details.
Weather will be pleasant in day and cold in night and at passes, lakes and Manali – Leh Highway with night being close to sub zero.
Hey… thanks for replying. I guess we will go via Jispa to Manali… Just wanted to know if you think our itinerary sounds good or is there any change/addition/deletion u would recommend.
Nikita, itinerary sound fine to me. Since, you have one day left now, you can actually do 2 day trip to Pangong Tso from normal route only.
i’m planning to visit leh by flight from 19th oct to 22nd oct. is it ok to book tickets? or is there any possibility to get stuck due to weather changes? i would love to stay in camp, are there camps available in second half of October?
Adi, no one can predict weather and Airplane work there on air currents. Even with fine weather but bad Air Currents, Leh flights does get cancelled. Also, it is late in season and that too for handful of days out of which first two days are just complete rest. You will not be able to make an overnight trip to anywhere in such a short time. Leh will have some hotels and restaurants working but expect basic food and stay.
Hi Dheeraj,
Im planning to visit Ladakh from August 30th to September 07th .. going in from manali to leh but coming bak on a direct flight from leh to delhi .. will the rains pose too much of a problem in eaely september .. ? If u have info about the current and previous year weather trends please share.
Thanks a lot !
Smiti
Smiti, by September, rains usually settle down. So, there should not be much issue I see according to previous years. However, nothing can be said in black and white though. In general, it is fine to travel to Ladakh in September. Also, Ladakh is rain shadow region where even in the monsoons it hardly rains but it is the lower hills upto Manali and Keylong, the rains has its affect. But, by September, I believe there as well it will not be much issue.
hi dheeraj,
I m planning to go leh Oct 26 to Nov 9, but I got two kids one is 3 n other one is 5 year old is it safe to take them.
Pooja, it will be quite cold during that time with most hotels being closed and restaurants too. Also, at the remote places of lakes like Pangong Tso and Tso moriri, accommodation will be very basic and with kids of small age, not really recommended time to visit Ladakh.
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planning to come to Ladak in first week of Oct as it’s a holiday season. We will be having kids aging 4 to 7. Will there be any health related issue like shortage of oxygen during that time? Please suggest the precautions we need to take.Is it the good time to enjoy the scenic of Ladak?
It is fine to take the children of such age group because AMS do not matter with respect to age or sex or any physical health condition. It can happen to anyone of any age or sex or fitness I shall say :D.. The issue with children is that they tend to exert the body considering it the same kind of place they belong to and this elevates the chances of getting struck with AMS. Secondly, they are not much expressive about their uneasy feelings, so it is parents who need to watch out and take care that the child is not suffering from uneasy feelings, headache or nausea and is behaving properly. With 5+ year child, I think he/she would be able to convey the uneasiness with little efforts. If you notice any such feeling or he/she tells you about such a feeling then please do not ascend anywhere, either descend to lower altitude or stay at the same place to watch things overnight and if symptom increase then start descending immediately. Same is applicable for any adult as well. And yes, do keep the body adequately hydrated!!
You are going in off season and most of the hotels/guest houses remain closed during that period especially at the lakes where all camps are winded up.
hi dheeraj,
me or mere 5 frnds march 1st week me leh ka plan bna rhe hai. kya march 1st week me leh aana sufficient hoga..!! or pls. mujhe koi package suggest karoge aap leh ka…
Shikhar, march mein extreme cold hota hai. Jana sahi nahin hai. June to September best time hai. DoW information based site hai and ki package nahin provide karte.
thanks
dheeraj
if i go from manali to srinagar via leh laddakh on bike, so how much i have to spend on a bike.
It depends, how many days you have. The price ranges from 1000-1500 per day for bike and also you need to see how do you drop the bike at Manali then? One way bike rental cost about 10-12K just for the pickup excluding the day rent.
hello chief,
I want to plan a trip to Leh-Ladakh. My journey starts from Ahmedabad, gujarat. Appreciate if would advise me the best suitable itenirary as i wish to go with my family – (me-wife-daughter of 7 years-parents aged 60+). My vacation period is between July or August. Appreciate if you can guide me the best suite please.
Thanks a lot,
regards
mehul shah
Firstly, I will suggest you that please plan it in other direction as going via Srinagar – Leh Highway will be much much easier on your body and help you acclimatize to the high altitude of Manali – Leh Highway. Also, it allows you to enjoy the beauty of Manali – Leh by splitting the journey almost evenly in two days which is very difficult in the other direction. Thirdly, it will allow you to fit Tso Moriri lake into the itinerary in better way. You can read more reasons on the link here
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
You can check the nice, preferred list of accommodation options in entire Leh – Ladakh (Leh, Nubra Valley, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri) including moderate (cheap budget hotels as well) in the series of articles starting on the link here
hi,
bro
I am planing to visit laddakh from Srinagar on 15 sep.
is it a good time to visit and can i hire a bike from srinagar to leh to laddakh to manali.
Junaid, it is good time to Travel to Ladakh. You can get bikes on rent in Srinagar as couple of bike rentals have come up in Srinagar too starting this year though I do not have any feedback on them since it is too early. Even if you rent bike in Srinagar, the one way bike rental is quite costly and leave a big dent in pocket for you, sometimes like 12K for just the pickup from Manali. Be sure if you are ready to make that investment or not.
Hi Dheeraj, First of all, I would want to congratulate you on this great work…Hats off !
I would like to travel with my family to Leh – Ladakh during last two weeks of Sept 14. Is it a good time to visit during this time,as I have a 6 year old kid traveling along. My travel would be by flight.
Thanks, Ashwini
Ashwini, September is quite good time to visit in general the first three weeks. By last week of September, the cold starts to get nippier especially at the lakes and most of the hotels and camp sites begin to wrap up for the season. If possible make it in 2,3 weeks and avoid last week but if you cannot then do not worry much just carry heavy woolens with you and also take at least 2 days of complete rest in Leh for acclimatization.
Hello Dheeraj,
I am planing to leave for ladakh on 13th august.I am from Punjab.After reading your article How to plan a journey on Srinagar – Leh Highway.I am a bit worried that if its safe to travel during that time via Srinagar.I have to reach ladakh on 19th August for my meditation course at vipassana centre.So is it ok to travel at that time.and what precautions should i take to be safe.or what else can i do?Leave on 10th and reach Ladakh around 15th.Actually i wanted to travel a little slow,taking breaks and not missing any anything beautiful place that comes on way from sriganar to leh. Help me please!!
Shubham, as long as you stick to highway, there will not be much issues I see. Keep a close eye on things and better make a long day from Patnitop on 14th Aug to reach Sonamarg the same day and skip Srinagar. This will help you by many means. As soon as you enter Kargil area, you enter rain shadow region which will help you with rain hassles too. So, it is first couple of days that needs to be seen through rest should be fine.
Do, it like Punjab to Patnitop. Patnitop to Sonamarg. Then take it easy with Sonamarg to Kargil, Kargil to Alchi and finally Alchi to Leh covering rest of the places in Sham Valley.
What would you say about flying down to leh with a family of 4?Can we get acclimatized soon or is it better to go to Srinagar and drive to ladakh?
Mansi, best is to drive from Srinagar to Leh so that the altitude increases gradually only. In case you fly, you need at least 2 days for sure to rest and get acclimatized in Leh by resting in hotel and some short walks in market with very very less exertion.
Hi Dheeraj,
Me and my wife are planning to visit Leh in mid Sept for 2 weeks. Can you please let me know the travel options from Srinagar to Leh?
Arinjay, you can have a read at the article: How to plan a journey on Srinagar – Leh Highway
Also, You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for the pointers. I also wanted to know if it is possible to reach Leh via Srinagar and leave via Manali-Rohtang route. That way I can cover places on both these routes. If you have some itinerary for this option, please send a pointer to that.
Thanks again for all the guidance. Its really helpful.
Going via Srinagar – Leh Highway will be much much easier on your body and help you acclimatize to the high altitude of Manali – Leh Highway. Also, it allows you to enjoy the beauty of Manali – Leh by splitting the journey almost evenly in two days which is very difficult in the other direction. Thirdly, it will allow you to fit Tso Moriri lake into the itinerary in better way. You can read more reasons on the link here
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
Hi Dheeraj,
Actually i am planning to go leh-laddak from delhi via road in the end of july month for 20+days. As july and august are the months of monsoon season so is it safe to go in this period of time? Please suggest me a safest route in this round trip. I monsoon season this trip will be a success or should i wait more? Please help me out and also suggest me some places that i should not miss during this laddak trip as i have good amount of time.
It is monsoon time and at some parts of Manali – Leh Highway (like before Baralacha La) and Srinagar – Leh Highway (like before Kargil) you might need to face monsoon hassles but once you get closer to Ladakh, then Ladakh being rain shadow region is least affected by monsoon rains, though rains does reach Ladakh now but to minimum and mostly it might remains overcast conditions. There is no thumb rule of certainty about weather conditions but above is generally common pictures seen over last few years except ugly 2010 …
If you can wait better make this trip in end of August when rain settles or in September.
Hi Dheeraj,
I am a wheelchair user & very nuch interested in travelling. Can u please let me know the right time to visit Leh and how r the road conditions from srinagar to Leh. Is it good to travel by car, as it wud be easy for me to get in and out of it easily.
Thanks
Abhay, yes it is good to travel by car. No worries on that front. Best time will be to visit in September when colors are in best form.
i want to visit ladakh on 2nd october to 6th october. is it right time to visit ladakh ?
sir,please let me know is it right time to visit ladakh on ist week of october
Pulak, it should be OK to visit but most of the hotels and restaurants will be closed by then. Camps at the lakes will be gone, so home stays will be the only options of stay. Hence, if you can survive some cold and basic facilities and food, it is OK time to visit Ladakh.
Pulak, it should be OK to visit but most of the hotels and restaurants will be closed by then. Camps at the lakes will be gone, so home stays will be the only options of stay. Hence, if you can survive some cold and basic facilities and food, it is OK time to visit Ladakh.
Dear Sir,
I have planned to start from Srinagar on October 02, 2014 and reach Leh on 3rd october. After completion of our tour at Ladakh on 9th october planned to fly Goa by air. Is this a safe programme (considering weather and high altitude) for Kolkata people? We are six in number consist of 12 to 55 years members. Please advise me about the programme.
Suvash, though it will be cold conditions in October but pretty much bearable one. The camps at Lakes like Pangong Tso and Tso mOriri will be gone by then and only few settlements remain. Even in Leh most of the restaurants close by end of September.
Thanks a lot for your kind information. Can we have any accomodation with room heater at Hunder during first week of October? What will be the impact upon our physics when we will descend from leh to Goa within 6 hours?
Suvash, there will be quite an impact and you body must undergo acclimatization for about 2 days in Leh with complete rest in hotel without much exertion. In Nubra Valley, you might get hotel providing room heater.
Hey, awesome information 🙂 Well I am planning to follow your suggested road map in August. I can hardly make a trip of 8 days. So please tell me the ways so subtract 6 days from your 14 days plan.
Sapna, hope it could be possible. It takes 4 days to reach from Srinagar and 3 days to come back from Manali, 1 day must rest in Leh for acclimatization. So, 8 days are all gone.
Thanks for replying Dheeraj. What if I plan going through Manali? I think then it would be manageable :-/
Sapna, increase it to 9 days and Opt to go via Manali – Leh Highway and I will suggest that you refer the thread: Manali – Leh – Ladakh – Manali | Itinerary for 9 Days in DoW – Himalayan Travel Community as you have 9 days in hand.
hi Dheeraj
I am planing to visit laddakh in end of the August on Bike from Srinagar.
Cool Junaid, what is your query brother? It is fine except there will rains till the time you enter rain shadow region ahead of Zojila Pass.
Helli sir,
We are group of 4 couple please suggest us we wann to go for a trip to leh n ladakh . N we wann to enjoy both snow fall , snow , n the nature colourefull beauty so wats the best time to vist. Please advise.
Dear Dheeraj,
Still waiting for your reply…
Sandeep, if you want Snow then mid of July is the time but if you want colorful nature around you then September is the time to Visit Ladakh.
Sandeep, if you want Snow then mid of July is the time but if you want colorful nature around you then September is the time to Visit Ladakh
Sandeep, if you want Snow then mid of July is the time but if you want colorful nature around you then September is the time to Visit Ladakh.
Hey Chief .. Just wanted to ask me n my frndz r planning a trip from 3rd August 14 to 15th August 14 to Leh Laddakh from Srinagar – Kargil Route on Bikes. This is probably d last time I’ll b able to go for a ladakh tour so can you please gimme major bullet points we shud do (i.e trekking or rafting etc) or visit (sum unheard location )to make it d trip of a lifetime ? …
Also wanted to know we won’t get snow around us during August even a little bit ?? We wont b able to see any snow covered areas in august ? Or is there any place where snow will be there ?
Awaiting you reply. AmeyDk 🙂
Amey, you will not get snow around in Ladakh in August. There will be little snow on peaks and around passes. Regarding the trip, you have 13 odd days. You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
Dear Dheeraj,
Thanks for such an informative article. I was planning a road trip on bike for Manali-Leh-Manali route during 15-30 Sep. But according to articles on this website, we might face some road blocks due to snow fall and might get delayed by a day or two, and if I plan during 15-30 Aug, then we can face bad roads of Rohtang Pass.
What you suggest I should plan in 2nd fortnight of Aug. or 2nd fortnight of Sep. I cannot go in 1st fortnight of Sep., hence thats not an option.
Also, we are two me and my wife. Do we need to hire to bikes and go separately because of too much luggage or we can go on one bike with less luggage. People have been saying that spare petrol needs to be carried in cans, but I found that there is not petrol pump for 380 kms of stretch of Tandi-Karu. But I feel with a full tank we can easily cross this stretch, provided nobody loots us of petrol……
Please suggest on dates (aug/sep) and whether two bikes or one bike with a pillion…
Dhawal, if I were you, I will go with September. Get one bike and travel light. Keep in mind that it will be very cold during that time. You need to carry extra fuel in case of Tso Moriri but how are you going to return the bike if you are doing the circuit?
is it ok to take my mum who is 85 years to leh. she is a bit slow but enjoys good health and loves to travel.
AMS do not matter with respect to age or sex or any physical health condition. It can happen to anyone of any age or sex or fitness I shall say :D.. If you notice any feeling or nausea, severe headache, vomits or he/she tells you about such a feeling then please do not ascend anywhere fast, either descend to lower altitude or stay at the same place to watch things overnight and if symptom deteriorates then start descending immediately. Same is applicable for any adult as well. And yes, do keep the body adequately hydrated!!
Go from Srinagar side and it will help you alot in acclimatization.
Hi Dheeraj,
I am Saurabh, i would like to go leh n i have 15 days with me. My question is that I am suffering from Mild Asthma, n do take inhaler once in 20-25 days. My age is 30. Do you advise or do i need to take extra precaution, what are those, pls advise..
Saurabh, it should be fine and I have seen people with Asthma doing the Ladakh trip. But, still consult your doctor and carry your inhalers. please DO READ: Acute Mountain Sickness and Importance of Acclimatization
Hi Dheeraj,
We are a group of 5 people and are planning a trip to leh-laddakh during mid-August. We only have about 7 days at hand so will be flying from Delhi to Srinagar and back, the rest of the journey from Srinagar to Leh will be covered by road. Is this sufficient time to visit Leh or would you advice we alter the plans?
It takes 2 days from Srinagar to reach Leh and will need 2 days again back to Srinagar. 1 days will be required for acclimatization in Leh. In rest of the two days you can visit Khardung La and or Diskit hunder as day trip and on other Pangong Tso lake as day trip. Everyday you will be on road for close to 8 Hrs for sure.
HI Dheeraj,
A bunch of friend (5 to 8)are planing a trip to Ladakh in Oct or Jan for about 12 to 14 days. All of us will be travelling from Bangalore. We plan to get night train to Delhi and drive/ride up. Can you please suggest the places to go around? And also need to know is it a must to know swimming? Awaiting for response.
Thank you
Manjula R
Manjula, season for Ladakh ends in September and all camps/hotels/restaurant start closing by end of September only. Only few remains and food becomes quite basic too. Are you sure you want to plan it? In January, it is severely cold.
Thank you Dheeraj for your reply. Can you please suggest the suitable time to plan the trip?
Thank you & Regards,
Manjula
Best is that you make a journey between now and September anytime.
Hi Dheeraj,
Me and my friend will be travelling during end of Aug to 1st week Sept 2014.We are planning the trip all by ourselves and wanted to seek your guidance. We will reach Leh via air from Delhi and would like to book our accommodation as we live thru each day of our travel itinerary. We want to visit the foll places.
1) Zanskar Valley wherein we would like to stay and do some tracking along with visiting the Phuktal monastery
2) Pangong Lake
3) Nubra Valley
4) Ladak festival
Appreciate if you can let us know how we plan the sequence of these places from Leh and back to Leh for our return to Delhi.
You may add on if you feel we have missed anything
Thanks
Sutapa
Hi Sutapa,
1. Not sure how many days do you have in hand. If 8 Days, you can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh by Air followed by many travelers including me at the link here for 8 days: Leh – Ladakh | Most Common Itinerary by Air.
Zanskar Valley needs at least 5-6 days on the run journey from Leh. Phuktal further will add 3 days at the very least. So, above 8 days, add about 9 days more for Phuktal + Zanskar Valley. For Ladakh festival add couple more or drop Tso Moriri and Nubra in above itinerary.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hello Dheeraj,
How r u?
I am planing to travell to ladakh in mid-augest till mid-septumber.I will be travelling alone for the first time and have never been to ladakh before.I will do my journey through buses.I am planing to reach ladakh via Manali and then come back via Srinagar. or should i do it other way around?? it would make my journey much easier if you can help me with the route and tell me about the places that i must visit during my journey.i have been to Manali and Rotang before.I would be thankful if you can help me with my problems?Would it be safe to get there in augest?What are the necessities i must take to survive there for a month??
Shubham, I will suggest that you do the trip other way round that is enter from Srinagar and exit from Manali. You have enough time for month to explore Ladakh on your own. You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 13-14 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
You can refer this itinerary for planning the route and sequence/order in which you should take this journey. Since, you have enough time, ad couple of days in Nubra Valley and visit Turtuk from there. You are alone and private taxis are very costly in Leh but you will be able to find the shared taxi without much fuss at all. There are lots of flyers which people put at cafes, dine-ins, restaurants, travel agent desks/shops/whiteboards wanting to share the taxis for different trips within Ladakh. Even travel agent organize such shared taxis trip as well but charge a little higher about Rs 200-300 more than it would ideally cost. So, in worst case you can always go back to them and book a seat for yourself. Gelling up with people in Ladakh is more or less easy because many people travel solo and look forward to meet new people and share cultural thoughts and values over the trip. No where else in the world you will find more smiling and helpful people as Ladakhis are 🙂
Regards
Dheeraj
Thanks Dheeraj,naw i have a good idea about the route i should take.The route you have suggested seems to be a common trail.but i love trekking.it would be really helpful if you can add some places to this itinerary which are less crowded,not yet touched by humans,some views and place which are not worth missing just because it take some more effort to get there.I am sure you have been to a lot of places which are worth exploring.As you know,i have a lot of time.i don’t want to leave anything for next time:D
Shubham, in that case you add Turtuk village in Nubra Valley. Hanle Village ahead of Chumathang while coming for Tso Moriri, though not sure if you will be able to get some transport for it easily. You will need inner line permits for Hanle.
Also, when you reach Kargil, then go towards Zanskar Valley and explore it on your own. Go and visit Phuktal Monastery, check the link: Itinerary for My Zanskar Trip in September – 2012
Then once you come to Kargil, head to Dha Hanu Villages and stay there, then towards Alchi for stay before reaching Leh.
What is the best time to travel Leh & Ladhak.
Please also indicate places to visit.
Manoj, please read the article above.
I wish to travel leh by flight on first week September . then drive by road to Srinagar. is it safe in September by road
September is usually to best time to travel and as stated in the above article, roads are best in conditions in comparison to other months.
Hi Dheeraj,
We are planning to go leh ladkh via srinagr then manali to delhi.
Date : 10 august to 17 August.
Is it Ok to travel in that time? I don’t want to waste time and money.
8 days? Please save the money for yourself and plan a road trip when you have time. 8 days by road is not worth. 4 days it will take to reach, 3 days to come back. 1 day of rest. So, ideally you will be on road only.
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for putting up such excellent info. We read a lot on your site before planning our trip. However due to unavoidable reasons we had to push our biking trip to Aug 15t-Aug 30th and we are taking Manali-Leh-Srinagar route. As per your above article, you mentioned in August, Ladakh region receives heavy rain fall. I saw your nightmarish Rohtang Pass road picture. Its kind of scary now because we are a small group with 3 bikers planning it. Do you think it is bad idea due to rains? Advice requested.
Oops, Prashant, may be you overlooked the article.
So, yes, Rohtang is definitely something that you need to face but last year it was OK in comparison.
Thanks Dheeraj for sparing time to clear my doubt. we shall be prepared!
Regards,
Prashanth
Dear dhiraj
Hope you are well.Here are my two question
1. When Srinagar Leh road will be opened.
2. Shall we go Panzi-la on 26th May, 2014?
Manab
Manab, no news on Penzi La pass yet but most likely it will open in june. Srinagar – Leh Highway has been opened for Light vehicles yesterday in early morning hours.
hi dheeraj,
First of all thank you for helping in my initiary. I had a question that we are going to padum from kargil on 9 june and will return from there to kargil on 11 june so will the roads of kargil-padum open up till that time?
Chetan, most probably Penzi La Pass will open by then for Zanskar Valley trip.
Hi Chetan Doshi….I am also going to Kargil-Padum on 11 to 14 June 2014. you can find more details at
https://discoverwithdheeraj.com/india/himalayan-travel-partners/topic989.html
DEAR SIR,
IS IT OK TO GO LEH ON TATA INDIGO
For hatchback/sedan taking on Manali – Leh Highway and Ladakh, please refer the link: FAQ | Can I do Leh – Ladakh trip in Hatchback or Sedan? for more details.
Hello Dheeraj,
Firstly thanks for your article, very informative. Wanted to get some more info on the following:
We (family of 5 with parents aged 60 & 62) are planning a trip around the 15th of June, initially we thought of taking the Srinagar road but now thinking of going via Manali as heard quite a lot of it’s scenic beauty. Here are my questions:
How to Plan from Delhi for trip to ‘Leh via Manali’?
Would this take more time when compared to ‘Leh via Srinagar’?
Would we be able to witness snow during the travel(June 15th)?
Are the roads safe during this time when compared to Leh Via Srinagar?
Can you also help us with contact numbers where we can get a good deal for hiring a vehicle for this trip?
Looking forward to hear from you.
Thanks again!
Shalini, Firstly, I will suggest you that please plan it in other direction as going via Srinagar – Leh Highway will be much much easier on your body and help you acclimatize to the high altitude of Manali – Leh Highway. Also, it allows you to enjoy the beauty of Manali – Leh by splitting the journey almost evenly in two days which is very difficult in the other direction. Thirdly, it will allow you to fit Tso Moriri lake into the itinerary in better way. You can read more reasons on the link here
In June, you will be able to witness snow over passes in Ladakh and over Manali – Leh Highway.
For the leh – ladakh taxi union rate list 2014 – 15 including the contacts of some reliable taxi drivers within Leh – Ladakh, check the link here. You can get about 10-12% of discount by directly getting in touch with drivers and of course, talking in person rather on phone always help in bargaining more.
Regards
Dheeraj
I want to travel to leh on 6 May this year via manali-leh highway. as per the information available it seems the roads might open up by that time. can u please guide me whether its the right time to go?
do u recommend me to to postpone the plan until June first week?
No, it seems highly unlikely that Manali – Leh Highway or in fact even Srinagar – Leh Highway will open by that time !! Better make the trip in late of May or June first week should be better bet.
Hi. We are 7 members(25-26 years) planning to go Leh on July first week. We are planning to hire bikes from Manali-Leh. How bad is the altitude sickness? Is it tolerable? What could be the worst that could happen? Is there any other hidden problems? P.S : We haven’t been on an adventure trip earlier 🙁
Hi I am still waiting for your reply.
I have answered above, To know more about AMS and acclimatization including the tips to combat AMS, please DO READ: Acute Mountain Sickness and Importance of Acclimatization
If you have not been to an adventure trip I will not advise you to go on a bike trip over Manali – Leh Highway as it is quite challenging. Regarding acclimatization if not taken seriously, it can be fatal too. I am not trying to demotivate you but to make you aware of situations you could end up on this adventure trip to Trans Himalayas of high altitude. Also, July first two weeks it is Kaalchakra this time in Leh which means you need to book your hotels in advance and taxi will most likely be not available.
dear sir,
pl guide me.
we two friends on two bullet 350 electra ,( no pilion) from shrinagar to manali via leh,are planning to go.
pl suggest best month and total days.
thanks
Alok, it depends what you want and above article describes the best time to travel explaining pros and cons of all months. Bottomline, if you love snow then go with June else if you love colors go with September. If you can spare 13-14 days ex. Delhi you will be able to complete the entire circuit from Srinagar to Ladakh to Manali.
Dear Alok,
What is your planned date and from where you are, as we already planned for 23rd June from Delhi. And route would be Delhi-Srinagar-Leh-Manali-Delhi on Pulsar150.
Bhaskar, DoW has started an initiative under DoW – Himalayan Travel Community for finding Travel Partners or Companions, leave your message in Travel Partners section at the link: Ladakh & Zanskar – Travel Partners Section. There is also a DoW Travel Calendar linked here which can be used to easily and quickly spot a travel partner with similar dates of all the people looking for Travel Partners for their trips. May be you meet someone online going over the same dates.
Hi Dheeraj
I am planning a trip to leh- ladakh with my 2 sons aged 10 and 11 yrs. I live in delhi so can plan a road trip with my innova but doubt that I shall be able to drive by self. I have around 15 days in hand with option of starting 1st June or 16th July. Please suggest the right time and itiniary.
Sangeeta, if you haven’t driven in hills I will not suggest you to drive yourself that early in the season. Else you should be well prepared for the challenges. With kids on car, you will have more responsibility. I will suggest if it owned car, you better hire an experienced driver OR fly to Srinagar and then take a taxi.
Hi…m planin to visit either Kashmir or Leh in the last week of may this year BT m confused which vl b bttr to see more snow Kashmir or Leh plz reply me
I will always suggest Leh – Ladakh being ardent lover of the place, so eventually it depends how many days do you have in hand 🙂
Hi Deehraj.
My Query is about preferable time to visit Lel&Ladakh. In brief We are looking to make a visit ie May 1st week (6-8 person). So Need your suggestions. Are all routes will be opened from May 1st week (manli to leh Ladakh). And Any suggestions for road trip from Manali to Leh.
Abhishek, preferable time is to visit Leh – Ladakh is briefed up in the article above covering the entire month. Regarding travel over Manali – Leh Highway in first week of May, I feel it will not open by that time. Manali – Leh Highway generally opens after mid of May.
Hi Dheeraj, Appreciate your quick reply. But could you emphasize on the opening date of Leh pass as we’ve got approved leaves from Mid may only. Thanks
Abhishek, Srinagar – Leh Highway might open by mid of May BUT, Manali – Leh Highway I doubt will open by mid of May.
Please stay tuned on status threads in DwD Community: 2014 Manali – Leh Highway Status AND 2014 Srinagar – Leh Highway Status
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planning to go on a leh-ladakh trip this June end. My group size would be 5-7 people (no families). We will be coming from Pune.
– We have 7 days for the trip, so how to make the most of it?
– Shall we look for a tour package or book ourselves each and everything?
Thanks,
Sameer
Sameer, are you planning a road trip? Or are you flying in and out of Leh? 7 days are too less for a road trip. You can go ahead with your own bro, all info. is present on DoW from taxi drivers to hotels. So, you really does not need any package … Read the articles, post your queries, if any and you will be good to go 🙂 … But, in case just 7 days then plan for Air Travel only.
Thanks. We have no option but to travel by flight (IT companies, phew!) How many days will it take if we are to travel from srinagar to leh (or from manali), not bike trip! We may extend as well.
Package i mean there must be limited places to stay in leh, so to avoid spending shivery nights. 😉
It will take 3 days to reach Leh from Delhi via Manali side and 4 days to come back to Delhi from Leh via Srinagar side. This makes it 7 days. 1 Day is required in Leh for acclimatization and permits. I will suggest, you can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh by Air followed by many travelers including me at the link here for 8 days: Leh – Ladakh | Most Common Itinerary by Air.
Dear Dheeraj,
we are planning to go in Mid April by own Car to Leh & Laddakh via Manali. as per you suggestion seems this is not right time to visit there. pls suggest as we don’t have any spare schedule post April.
Praveen, roads to Leh – Ladakh will be closed in April both Manali – Leh highway as well as Srinagar – Leh Highway. The only way you can travel to Leh in April is by Air.
Hi, we are planning to hire bike from manali and go for 7-9 days trip. Is this the right time for the trip.
When are you planning to travel Pranav? Currently, both Manali – Leh Highway as well as Srinagar – Leh Highway are closed.
Hi, Dheeraj we are planning the trip on 1 MAY.
Pranav, by 1st May, Srinagar – Leh Highway might open by that time but no surety. Well, you have just 7-9 days only. It will take 4 days to reach Leh from Delhi via Srinagar and 4 days to come back. How many days can you extend?
Hi dheeraj,
We want to travel Leh Ladakh somewhere in second week of April 2014 by air. Could you please let me know if this is the right time to travel? Also, what could be the best time between April and May tovisit there?
Would Definitely look forward to your reply.
Thanks in advance!
Ashish
Ashish, actually in April lakes will be partially frozen, most of the hotels will be closed, restaurants will be closed so stay as well as food will be limited. It will be very cold up there in Ladakh during that time. There will be loads of snow, less tourists and good discounts. May is when the season starts and hotel starts to open and prices for stay to food goes high. So, considering these points you can opt for month accordingly.
Hi
We r planning to on 12 april to 15 april is this time is good and weather all the places like pongal nubra velly ect are open to visit please tell me fast
Anu, you mean you are planning a 4 day trip to Ladakh? If yes, please drop the idea and plan someday when you have about 7-8 days and that too flying by air.
Hi,
I am from karnataka and i stay abroad. We are planing our vacation in august.Could you please be kind enough to suggest good places to visit in North india(want to witness snow) in august (from Aug 1st to 14th- max 10 days).
Our tour would be by flight and road trips as and when needed.
Kindly advise.
Many thanks,
Nisha
Nisha, well, experiencing snow, means touching and playing with snow then I see very very slim chance of finding it at any place. If that is not priority, You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh by Air followed by many travelers including me at the link here for 8 days: Leh – Ladakh | Most Common Itinerary by Air.
You can add couple of relaxing days including overnight stay at Pangong Tso Lake in above itinerary.
Hi Nisha, I’m from Namma Karnataka too, this is slightly off topic in a ladakh travel page. But, I couldn’t help read your quest to witness snow in August. I would strongly suggest a trip to Arunachal Pradesh, it is in North East India, you will have to go to assam (guwahati) by train or flight and then take a bus/ shared taxi or private taxi to Arunachal pradesh. you can get the necessary permit from guwahati itself, it is hasslefree and takes few minutes. you can visit arunachal tourism website to get more info about places to visit there, But the place with snow 365 days a year is SeLa Pass, which is on the way to Tawang, which is a buddhist tourist center. I have personally been there on a solo trip, and it took my around 7 days, excluding my travel from Bangalore to guwahati by train. Hope this helps in some way. Tc!
hello,dheeraj,I am planning to visit laddakh in 1st week of june.I s it ok? I will be landing by air.
Yes, Pradeep. June is good time to visit Ladakh. You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh by Air followed by many travelers including me at the link here for 8 days: Leh – Ladakh | Most Common Itinerary by Air.
hi Dheeraj, we are planning to visit in june 1st week. let me know wheteher it is good to visit at this time. and important to ask whether i can take my son who is 10 yer old with us.
It is fine to take the children of such age group because AMS do not matter with respect to age or sex or any physical health condition. It can happen to anyone of any age or sex or fitness I shall say :D.. The issue with children is that they tend to exert the body considering it the same kind of place they belong to and this elevates the chances of getting struck with AMS. Secondly, they are not much expressive about their uneasy feelings, so it is parents who need to watch out and take care that the child is not suffering from uneasy feelings, headache or nausea and is behaving properly. With 5+ year child, I think he/she would be able to convey the uneasiness with little efforts. If you notice any such feeling or he/she tells you about such a feeling then please do not ascend anywhere, either descend to lower altitude or stay at the same place to watch things overnight and if symptom increase then start descending immediately. Same is applicable for any adult as well. And yes, do keep the body adequately hydrated!!
Also, PLEASE read the article: Traveling to Ladakh with Kids or Babies. This article covers this topic in complete detail.
we want to visit leh which id the best time in may or in september
If you want to see snow, then May/June are the best months to Visit Ladakh but for beautiful colors in Ladakh, you should visit it in September but there will be now snow.
Hi Dheeraj,
Is April last week a good time to travel to Leh? We are planning to reach Leh directly through flight (we were earlier planning to go from Srinagar to Leh by road but due to some apprehensions we dropped that plan). In May first week the flights are pretty expensive and we though that there is not much difference between last week of April and first week of May. Kindly suggest.
Thanks & Regards,
Ankit Gupta
Hello Ankit,
Well, you can check my Travel Tale of Ladakh from April at the last link: A Snow Whiteout in Leh – Trapped Again | Ladakh – 2012
You will be able to see how beautiful it is in April and yet also be able to see that everything in Ladakh when I visited was open as far as sightseeing and exploring is concerned. However, you need to bear in mind the cold conditions up there at that time of the year and lack of variety of food + accommodation options. As it is off season, so things are pretty much closed at most place with respect to food options and stay options. But, you will be able to find basic stays and basic food. Also, Lakes will be partially frozen and you will need to have some buffer days too at that time of the year.
Going through the Travel Tale will help you decide to GO or NOT GO 🙂 🙂
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hello Mr.Dheeraj,
Thanks a lot for such a detailed write-up. It only increased my desperation to be there. I am planning to go there during second/third week of Sep, 2014.
The following is the details:
1. Will be driving from Bangalore to Leh/Ladakh on a Fortuner 4X4 [approx 4 people, all capable of driving] Do we need to do any specific arrangements on the vehicle to help it take on the rough terrain? What kind of checkup required pre-trip?
2. Do you have suggestions on some kind of survival kit for this trip for both vehicle and people?
3. What kind of physical preparation is required? [Mentally, I am already there :-)]
4. Any suggestions on how to prepare to cope up with HAMS?
Hello Ramagiri,
1. No need for such a monster 😉 … Just make sure routine checkup is done and all things are working fine. You go through and read my series on Ladakh Self Drive tips at the links below:
7 Useful Tips for a Self Drive to Leh – Ladakh, Routes and Road Conditions In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips, Fuel Availability In Leh – Ladakh | Ladakh Self Drive Tips
2. Check the list of things to carry for Leh – Ladakh or other trip including basic medical kit, clothing, must haves etc. at the link here: List of Things to Carry for Leh – Ladakh trip.
3. Nothing, just do some respiratory exercises on regular basis. Read the article mentioned in Point 4 and you shall be OK.
4. For tips, related to AMS, check the article: Acute Mountain Sickness and Importance of Acclimatization
Finally, I will suggest you that please plan it in other direction as going via Srinagar – Leh Highway will be much much easier on your body and help you acclimatize to the high altitude of Manali – Leh Highway. Also, it allows you to enjoy the beauty of Manali – Leh by splitting the journey almost evenly in two days which is very difficult in the other direction. Thirdly, it will allow you to fit Tso Moriri lake into the itinerary in better way. You can read more reasons on the link here
You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travelers including me at the link here for 14-15 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi Dheeraj,
IM planning to visit the havean on earth.
from you blog i picked the june first week for travling.
we have a group of 4-5 people, so here are my question :
1. how many days leave we should take from work, in both condtion like going by bike and using puplic trasport.
2. Best route if we go by buses
and many more, but will ask later
take care
you doing a great job
Hello Manish,
Thank you. Regarding your queries, you can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travellers including me at the link here for 14-15 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
Feel free to ask any queries you have for planning a trip to Ladakh.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
I am from Ajmer (Rajasthan). I am interested to go Laddakh on Royal Enfield. Please give me suggestions for trip.
Thanks.
Helo Nilay,
How many days do you have? Which month are you planning the trip? Have you ever done biking on hills?
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Also what would be the best time. Planning for Sept 2nd week next year. I know its too early but getting mentally prepared. DONT WANT TO MESS UP WITH RAIN. Best time for photography and also the safest
Abdul, yes, September is the perfect time to visit Leh – Ladakh, Zanskar Valley or any other part of Trans Himalayas including Spiti Valley. The colors are unmatched at that time of the year and towards October they even get better and better though cold start increasing too. If cold is not an issue last week of September is what I will suggest.
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Hi dheeraj sir, Planning for a ladakh trip with a pillon on my new classic 350. Would it be a problem and any specific route where problems can exist
Abdul, I do not see any issues on any route if you are fine with driving in rough terrain. Moreover, you making bike trip in the end of season so better go prepared with proper warm gear. Also, check out some tips by fellow riders at DwD Community for Long Bike Riding Advice
hey dheeraj,
i read your article its fabulous. I am planning a trip to ladakh with my brother by car from kerala. we are planning to fly till delhi and from delhi to ladakh by car.
can u help me by giving me details about
1.when is the best time to travel to ladakh?
2.which vehicle is suitable?
3.what are the things required?
4.about travelling permits etc
5.which route is suitable to travel to ladakh from delhi?
6.places to stay and visit
i would like your advice so that i can keep risk at minimum.
Hello Anu,
Thanks alot.
1. Already up there in the article in detailed way.
2. High Ground Clearance Car is preferable.
3. Check the list of things to carry for Leh – Ladakh or other trip including basic medical kit, clothing, must haves etc. at the link here: List of Things to Carry for Leh – Ladakh trip.
4. For details on inner line permits process and to download application form read the link here
5. I will suggest you that please plan it in other direction as going via Srinagar – Leh Highway will be much much easier on your body and help you acclimatize to the high altitude of Manali – Leh Highway. Also, it allows you to enjoy the beauty of Manali – Leh by splitting the journey almost evenly in two days which is very difficult in the other direction. Thirdly, it will allow you to fit Tso Moriri lake into the itinerary in better way. You can read more reasons on the link here
6. You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travelers including me at the link here for 14-15 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
Regards
Dheeraj
Hi Dheeraj,
I am planning to go to Ladakh from Manali via Rohtang pass in Mid November with my bullet for a 15 day trip. Could you please advice if there will be any places to stay and for food in ladakh ? Also if Rohtang is closed by mid November, can I go via Kashmir valley during that time ?
Pratheesh, well, please consider roads more or like closed now though they are open. First thing is that it is severe cold up there on Manali – Leh Highway, most accommodation options are closed and all passes have started getting snowfall. Unless you want to risk and get stuck there for next 6 months, please avoid planning any road trip to Ladakh now as roads can close for winters anytime.
Hi! Dheeraj
I just came back from a 15 days trip to Ladakh. Many of your inputs here in planning my trip proved useful especially about obtaining Inner Line Permits. I took the Srinagar-Leh-Nubra-Leh-Pangong-Chushul-Tso Moriri-Tso Kar-Sarchu-Keylong-Manali route for the trip. I want to stress following points
1. Acclimatization is highly necessary
2. Admin in Leh is allowing permits via Chushul route but army is stopping tourists to go to Tsaga La from Chushul, and the other route from Chushul to Mahe was closed due to landslide. I managed to hit Tsaga La with the help of a local from Chushul but not everyone can get past. So I advise avoiding this route in the itinerary
3. I went to Turtuk, it is a beautiful place, and I also saw a Tent organized there, so future travelers can look forward to spending a night there and enjoy the beauty of border village as against driving back to Hunder or Diskit
4. Overall Ladakh was mesmerizing and makes me think to go back there again and again
5. Septenber was the best month to travel for me as the weather was perfect (except chilling nights, but was fun!), least disruptions on the road, and was able to sight many wild animals everywhere
Awesome report, will be glad if you post it back in the DwD Community too. If possible, try and share your Himalayan experience with us at DoW – Himalayan Travel Community as Photo Tale or Travel Tale Or your reviews of the hotels/guest houses where you stayed or dhabhas/restaurants you ate food on your trip…
Hi Dheeraj,
After reading your post now i am too excited to visit ladakh.. Me and my friends are planning to visit ladakh from 27th sep to 1 st oct. We are going to come by manali-leh road as we will be visiting manali first before coming to ladakh. I hope manali-leh raod will be open at that time.. Please post your opinions about the same. Thanks in advance 🙂
Namrata, please read: 5 Reasons to Avoid Manali – Leh Highway in October
Secondly, it takes 3 days to reach Leh from Delhi via Manali and you have just 4 days for whole trip?
Dheeraj,
We are actually going on a north trip. Delhi,agra,amritsar,manali and ladakh. We have planned whole trio from 21st sep to 4th Oct.On 27th oct we ll be traveling from manali to come to leh.
Will you be flying out of Leh? When you are traveling to Ladakh then why not spend most days in Ladakh rather in lower hills and make best use of your time.
Hi Dheeraj,
I plan a trip to leh ladhak- 8-9 days schedule as follows: Fly to srinagar- to leh by road- leh sightseeing-zanskar river-khardung la- hemis- Pangong lake-nubra valley- srinagar. Plan is flexible. I have two concerns though:
1. Travel during october, the dates are 7-16 th
2. With family- Mom, Dad – aged around 50 and brother- 18 years
We aren’t accustomed to cold weather as we are from Bangalore.
However its the only vacation time we get as a family and have a strong desire to view the beauty of leh. Request you to advice on my concerns and on the feasiblity of this plan. Having read your posts, I feel you will be the best person to know. Looking forward to your response.
Hello Megha,
October will be cold, sometimes very cold and forget about staying at Panogng Tso as the camps will be taken away by then. If you are OK with cold conditions then it will be manageable. You have to be prepared with the clothing and mentally as well for the cold but frankly speaking with good clothing it will be bearable. Check the link for some tips: Tips for Carrying Clothes for Ladakh Trip
Regards,
Dheeraj Sharma
Nature is always attract me and give a positive energy. Crystal river water, snow peaked mountains and road, lakes, clouded mountain these are ultimate collection of your post. The Zanskar Valley wonderland really wonderland.
nice post
Thanks and great to know that you are a nature lover!!
Hi Dheeraj,
Thank you for the wonderful resource you have created. I am planning a trip with another biker and wanted you to comment on our proposed itinerary:
Day 1: Delhi – Udhampur
Day 2: Udhampur – Srinagar
Day 3: Srinagar – Kargil
Day 4: Kargil – Rangdum
Day 5: Rangdum – Padum
Day 5: Padum – Kargil (12 hour journey, so start early)
Day 6: Kargil – Leh
Day 7: Leh Sightseeing and get the permit made for Nubra Valley, Turtuk and Pangong Tso
Day 8: Leh – Khardung La – Nubra Valley, stay at Turtuk.
Day 9: Head to Sumur for night stay, en route visit Hunder Sand Dunes and Diskit Monastery. Also go up to Panamik.
Day 10: Sumur – Agham – Wari La – Pangong Tso (Merak), take detour to Karu to tank up
Day 11: Hanle via Chusul (alternative is to go back to Leh and come via Chumthang)
Day 12: Explore Kyun Tso
Day 13: Korzok (Tso Morriri)
Day 14: Korzok to Sarchu
Day 15: Sarchu – Chandertal (Camp)
Day 16: Chandertal – Manali
Day 17: Manali – Delhi
Day 18: buffer day
I want your suggestion as to when should we take a day off – Ragdum of Padam? Where are the better sites to explore? We are planning to camp so which are the places we can camp? We don’t have time constraint so if you can propose any changes to add value to the trip that would be great.
Rajesh, the itinerary looks OK as initial draft. However, the feasibility of running too much without any fuel pump is something to carefully plan where you might want to carry extra fuel too. Secondly, Sarchu to Chandratal is something too much I personally feel. The journey from Keylong to Chandratal is back breaking itself owing the road from Gramphu to Battal to Chandratal which is like a river bed ride. So, add a day here I feel. Also, I will say better keep a day for Padum too, to explore it s a little bit. I am not sure if you are aware, there is some serious tension in around Zanskar now a days and there was a curfew imposed couple of days back. Conditions are still the very much same. So, take into account before venturing into it else I will say chop out Zanskar which will give you added number of days to take rest in between and enjoy the places too. Thirdly, skip Sumur and Panamik and stay at hunder in Nubra Valley which I feel is the soul of Nubra. Getting through Chusul route is completely dependent upon the permits. Finally, you can explore Kyon Tso on the way to Tso Moriri from Hanle itself.
Thanks for your suggestions Dheeraj, they are being taken seriously and pondered over. You are right about the last stretch, I did Kaza to Keylong last year as the part of Himalayan Odyssey with Enfield and it was tough as nails and hugely enjoyable but maybe not at the fag end of the trip. I took into account the fuel requirements and especially got the LC (carrier) for my C5.
I am keeping a close eye on the Kashmir/Zanskar situation and will not jump into in a hurry. If I am alone, I might anyway give Zanskar a miss. Things don’t seem to be coming together with so much happening, lets see how things go.
I wish you well in this venture of yours, best of luck.
Best wishes for the trip Rajesh!! Also, since you are avid traveller, if possible, request you to JOIN our DoW – Himalayan Travel Community and share your Himalayan knowledge and experiences with other like minded travelers too and help us materialize the vision to help a Himalayan life & help travelers travel with a difference in various parts of Himalayas
Hi Dheeraj,
This is my 1st text to you and request you to clarify few things before I plan my trip to leh:-
(1) Dates : 14th Sep to 28th Sep 2013 – Ok or not considering weather conditions.
(2) Going by XUV 500 W8 2×2 : Ok or not.
(3) Best Suitable Itinerary for this period.
(4) Our route will be Leh-Srinagar highway for both ways (no Manali). so, any places to visit on way.
Thanks!
Hi Vivek,
1. Dates are good to go.
2. Should be OK to travel.
3. You can check a very balanced and most common itinerary for Leh – Ladakh followed by many travelers including me at the link here for 14-15 days: Most Common Itinerary for Leh – Ladakh.
4. You can follow the above itinerary in the same way to return back instead of coming from Manali. However, while coming back you can take the route from Batalik for which inner line permits will be required which can be taken along with your other permits.
Have a look at the DOW – Maps at the links:
1. DoW – Maps of Ladakh | Srinagar – Kargil – Leh
2. DoW – Maps of Ladakh | Nubra Valley & Changthang
Regards
Dheeraj Sharma
Thanks for the immediate response Dheeraj and I will surely keep troubling you regarding my doubts (if any, b’coz ur website clarify many things to readers)in this matter, so please b ready (just kidding)…..tk…god bless
Most welcome anytime Vivek. You can start a thread at below link for your itinerary advice and complete planning of Ladakh trip in more structured way 🙂 DoW – Himalayan Travel Community | Ladakh Itinerary Advice
Hi Dheeraj
How are you ?
Sorry for delay in reply, partly because you made me thinking..
I wrote a reply but thats somehow not appearing here.
It appears that in 15 days only one-way trip is possible till Khardungla(and may be Pangong too). And i will have to bring the bike back on a bus through the same route. This breaks my heart but it seems there is no other way out. Do you think of something ?
I can not confirm at this point what speed i can muster at atlitudes- this i will share after and if i make this trip. For now lets assume 10 kmph and 70 km per day ? 🙂
Is there a direct bus from Leh to Manali and if can be booked online ? Also how is the road from Leh to Pangong,altitude wise ?
I plan to write a travellogue here once i am back, though a cyclist viewpoint and , though i do not have a GPS device,i plan to note down all possible data.
Hi Dheeraj
Hope you are well.
Your reply made me thinking. part the reason for delay in my response. I will be able to confirm my Speed on high altitudes only after I come back :). I will, if i make it ,anyway write a story here from a cyclist view, which I am sure to be a bit atleast different.Let’s assume 10 kmph and 70km per day for now.
For now , it seems only one way cycle ride is possible till ladakh and khardungla, (may be pangong lake too). While it feels very disheartening to come back through same route on a BUS, I can’t see another way out of the situation.
Do you know about a bus service from leh to manali and if it can be booked online. Also how is the route from leh to pangong , altitude-wise.
Any suggestions from you are always welcome.
Cheers.
Anirudh
Hi Dheeraj,
I am visiting Leh during 30th Sep 2013 to 4th October 2013. How can I find travel partner for this journey?
Dr. SK, I feel that you are doing it in late season and finding company will be difficult even once you reach Leh. Still, DoW has started an initiative under DoW – Himalayan Travel Community for finding Travel Partners or Companions, leave your message in Travel Partners section at the link: Ladakh & Zanskar – Travel Partners Section. May be you meet someone online going over the same dates.
Dear Dheeraj
I am back to you after one year.Last time you helped and encouraged me to make a bicycle trip to Chandra Tal and i am hooked.This August I am planning to do Manali-Leh on my bicycle. The catch is I am not able to guess how to draw return journey. I will have 15 days to be back in Delhi. Apart from getting a picture of me at Khardungla pass, i would love to see Tso Moriri and/or Pangong lakes.. I like to take landscape pictures as well.I would be travelling light and slow.Can you help me with the options i would be having for return( while i train in gym :)) ? Thank you so much.
Anirudh, brother, generally 14 days is what I recommend for people traveling by motorbike/car. It will be very difficult to return back as well including the trip over to Tso Moriri or Pangong Tso and Khardung La within 15 days. How much do you ride on high altitude in a day?
Hi Dheeraj,
I have completed my trip to ladakh from June 7th to June 18th. It was an awesome once in a lifetime experience,.
I really want to thank you for all the tips and suggestions. May God bless you and hope you keep helping people always.
Thanks alot Imtiyaz, glad to know that you had a great trip to Ladakh. If possible, try and share your Himalayan Travel Tale or experience with us at DoW – Himalayan Travel Community
we planned leh tour on 8th of july to 14th July-2013 and leaving leh to sarch then to kaza and manali.any problem? is that any rainy problem
Are these 7 days from Leh to Kaza?
your description is really intriguing, would want to visit all those places sometime mid september.
Informative comparison this. My favourite is also Sept-Oct season.
Thanks alot Satyender, yeah late September is one of the best time to be in with those orange colored leaves all around with blue skies and lakes 🙂
Hi Dheeraj,
How are you doing?
Thanks for the useful info.
After a wonderful Ladakh trip with your great help, during last Sep i.e. in Sep-2012, this time I am planning to visit Zanskar Road Trip, request you to please suggest an itinerary & places to visit in & around.
Chandra, great to see you again brother. Well, how many days you have in hand?
BTW, Also, since you are avid traveller then request you to JOIN recently launched DoW – Himalayan Travel Community and share your Himalayan knowledge and experiences with other like minded travellers too 🙂 … For better threaded discussions we can even start the thread in the Itinerary Advice section to keep a track of responses in better organized way.
Hi Dheeraj,
Thanks for the reply. We have approx 8-10 days. Chandertal & Spiti is one more option. Days can be same. Dates are yet to be finalised. Your inputs are requested.
Hi Shikhar,
If you are traveling by road, then you will need more days. You know it will take 3 days to reach Kargil and 3 days to come back ex. Delhi. Then, you are left with just 4 days that can be done as
Day 1 | Kargil – Padum (long drive)
Day 2 | Padum Local Sightseeing (Karsha, Stongde, Zang La Fort)
Day 3 | Padum – Drang Drung Glacier – Penzi La Pass – Rangdum (take it easy while you come back)
Day 4 | Rangdum – Khartse Khar Statue – Sankoo – Kargil
Regards
Dheeraj